Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Joel Robinson

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

La Vera closes in on completion as Macquarie Park continues residential transformation

Brisbane developer Red &amp; Co's decision to include dual key apartments in its debut Gold Coast apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO Varsity Lakes</a>, is proving to be one of the project's biggest drawcards, with buyers quickly snapping up the flexible residences.

More than half of the project's 36 dual key apartments have already sold, helping drive COMO beyond the 50 per cent sold mark within the first month of launch.

The strong response highlights growing demand for apartment designs that can adapt to changing lifestyles, with buyers increasingly looking for homes that accommodate multi-generational living, provide rental income opportunities or simply offer greater flexibility over time.

Located on the shores of Lake Orr, COMO will deliver 156 apartments across 16 levels, with the dual-key residences forming a limited release within the broader development.

Each combines a primary two-bedroom apartment with a fully self-contained studio on a single title, connected by a shared foyer and lockable internal door. The design allows owners to house ageing parents, adult children or guests while maintaining privacy, or lease the secondary residence to generate additional income.

Just 17 of the original 36 dual key apartments remain available.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=367096]

The innovative configuration combines two fully self-contained residences on a single title, typically comprising a primary two-bedroom apartment alongside a separate studio residence, connected via a shared foyer and lockable internal door.&nbsp;

The model is proving particularly attractive to owner occupiers navigating changing family dynamics and the realities of the current housing crisis.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/npa">NPA</a>&nbsp;CEO Andrew Erwin said dual key living was resonating strongly with modern buyers because it delivered both financial flexibility and practical lifestyle benefits.&nbsp;

“The housing crisis and rising cost of living are fundamentally changing how Australians think about home ownership,” Erwin said.&nbsp;

“Dual key apartments provide a genuine solution for families who want to stay connected while maintaining independence. Parents can help adult children save for a future home, ageing parents can remain nearby without moving into aged care, and owners still retain privacy and flexibility.

“Importantly, buyers are also recognising the financial advantages. It creates the opportunity to generate additional income from part of the home without the holding costs associated with owning a separate investment property.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363509]

Unlike traditional dual occupancy arrangements, the residences operate under a single title, meaning owners only incur one set of body corporate fees, council rates and holding costs.&nbsp;

The secondary residence can also evolve over time - functioning as guest accommodation, a home office, creative studio or private retreat before later becoming an income-producing asset.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a>&nbsp;Director and Co-Founder David Laverty said the strong early sales reflected growing buyer urgency and changing priorities within the market.&nbsp;

“Securing more than half of COMO’s residences within such a short timeframe is an outstanding result and a clear endorsement of both the design and location,” Laverty said.&nbsp;

“Buyers are responding to the combination of location, connectivity and amenity, but ultimately it’s value relative to other East Coast markets that is driving enquiry.”&nbsp;

“We’re also seeing strong interest from owner occupiers looking for homes that can adapt with them over time. Flexibility has become one of the most important considerations for buyers in today’s market.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363515]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, COMO features a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences with 2.7-metre ceilings and larger-format floorplans aimed at owner occupiers, downsizers and lifestyle-focused buyers.&nbsp;

The development will feature an extensive rooftop recreation and wellness offering including a 25-metre lap pool, sundeck, barbecue and dining areas, gym, sauna, plunge baths, landscaped gardens, wellness spaces and rooftop pickleball and paddleball courts.

The remaining dual key apartments range from 137 sqm to 167 sqm and include generous three-bedroom layouts with separate self-contained studio accommodation and dual parking.&nbsp;

Erwin said the dual key concept represented a broader shift in how Australians would live in the future.

“People want homes that can evolve with their lives,” he said.&nbsp;

“A dual key apartment can suit a family today, support an ageing parent tomorrow, and potentially generate income later on. That adaptability is becoming incredibly valuable in the current environment.”

Prices currently range from $2,115,750 to $2,583,000.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Inter-generational living drives demand for COMO’s dual key apartments as housing pressures reshape buyer priorities 

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ceerose">Ceerose</a> has doubled down on its Leichhardt ambitions, lodging its second State Significant Development Application (SSDA) in the suburb in the last six months.

Their newest proposal seeks to transform a former industrial precinct into a new residential community centred around the adaptive reuse of one of the site's heritage warehouse buildings.

The new project, on a 6,930 sqm block at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-76-william-street-leichhardt-nsw-2040">40–76 William Street</a>, will bring more than 200 apartments to a suburb that has seen little to no new supply in recent years. It follows Ceerose's late 2025 SSDA for a mixed-use apartment project on nearby Parramatta Road, signalling the developer's growing investment in Sydney's Inner West.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the redevelopment would involve the demolition of four existing industrial buildings while retaining and adaptively reusing the site's most significant warehouse. The retained structure would anchor a new residential precinct comprising five interconnected buildings arranged around a large central landscaped courtyard, with heights stepping from five storeys along the surrounding residential streets to 11 storeys at the William Street corner.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7258c54c-8167-479e-8361-2d5fca9915b4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010B%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%202.jpg?VersionId=S9DQfxu_jpcB5LrAEYFUbyMzg5odW6i5" />

According to the Architecture Design Report by Woods Bagot, the proposal "seeks to create a residential village centred around a generous green heart while celebrating the site's industrial heritage through the adaptive reuse of the existing warehouse building."

The development would comprise 203 apartments, with 188 proposed as build-to-sell residences, alongside 15 affordable housing apartments.

Rather than treating the retained warehouse as a standalone heritage object, Woods Bagot has sought to weave the site's industrial history throughout the masterplan. The proposal retains the north and west facades of the landmark corner warehouse, while new buildings reinterpret the site's brick-and-steel industrial language through their material palette and architectural expression.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9e8c64c2-881b-49e1-8c90-6b6acaaa45b6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010C%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%203.jpg?VersionId=Qm8_8H_Xrg_sc4Mdjc59vlAcKF_5wRTb" />

The design is organised around what Woods Bagot describes as a "green heart", a landscaped communal open space that reinstates the leafy character removed when the site became an industrial storage facility. A new pedestrian laneway running through the site would improve permeability between William, North and Francis streets, linking residents through landscaped public spaces while activating the ground plane.

Residents would have access to communal gardens, rooftop open space and shared recreation areas distributed throughout the development. Sustainability has also been prioritised, with the project targeting an average 7.9-star NatHERS rating. Proposed initiatives include rooftop solar generation, rainwater harvesting, passive solar design, naturally ventilated lobbies, extensive cross-ventilation and the reuse of existing building fabric to reduce embodied carbon.

The adaptive reuse strategy became a defining feature of the application after heritage investigations found only one of the site's industrial buildings could feasibly be retained. The Heritage Impact Statement concludes that preserving the key warehouse façades while referencing the site's industrial character throughout the new development provides an appropriate balance between renewal and conservation.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efffafdb-594f-4e2b-a067-921fd51c05e1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010D%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%204.jpg?VersionId=DPmE4.k16YRt0i27hEZVtJAffarpvUfx" />

"Retention and adaptation of the site buildings has been explored but found not to be feasible except for the tallest building, whose street facades will be retained," the heritage report states.

"The proposed building will interpret the brick and steel character of the subject site, including reuse of some components and construction of a large 'sawtooth' structure in the proposed open space."

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3bfef2b5-83f5-40cd-9cab-767092f34266" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010E%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%205.jpg?VersionId=7asb3i_ql4ybbuJOUb5UHBEIy0Q9t.DF" />

The William Street site is located around 300 metres from Leichhardt North Light Rail station and a short walk to Norton Street's retail, dining and hospitality precinct. The surrounding area has increasingly become a focus for urban renewal given its proximity to public transport and the Parramatta Road corridor.

Ceerose, founded by Edward Doueihi in 1998, has become one of Sydney's more active apartment developers, with completed projects including The Alex Collective in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay. They are currently delivering Belgravia, 17 luxury apartments in Potts Point.

First look: Ceerose doubles down in Leichhardt with adaptive reuse of former warehouse site

Property News

<html><body>
Smart Property Investment magazine teamed up with three experts in June 2012 to pick 20 "inner city steals": suburbs where one in four units were selling for $300,000 or less.
CoreLogic RP Data's Cameron Kusher, Domain Group senior economist Andrew Wilson and SQM Research founder Louis Christopher ranked 20 suburbs within three kilometres of capital city CBDs based on their capital growth potential over a five year period.
At the halfway point of their time horizon, we've taken a <a href="/expert-insights/investing/looking-back-on-2012s-inner-city-steals">look back at the 20 suburbs</a> to see how they're faring.
We've picked the list's winners – the five suburbs which have displayed the biggest median unit price growth between June 2012 and the end of 2014. We've also identified the five biggest losing suburbs, where the median unit price was lower at the end of last year than it was in mid-2012. Note that any price growth or decline may not have been consistent over the 18 month period, and the percentage differences may display season variations.
<h3>The Winners:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Wayville, South Australia:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $312,000 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $608,500 Price change: 95%
<ul>
<li>North Melbourne, Victoria:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $390,000 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $495,000 Price change: 26.9%
<ul>
<li>North Hobart, Tasmania:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $312,000 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $375,000 Price change: 20.2%
<ul>
<li>Kent Town, South Australia:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $505,000 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $600,000 Price change: 18.8%
<ul>
<li>North Perth, Western Australia:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $385,000 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $452,500 Price change: 17.5%
<h3>The losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>West Leederville, Western Australia:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $385,000 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $452,500 Price change: -23.5%
<ul>
<li>Keswick, South Australia:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $240,000 Last recorded median unit price: $202,500 Price change:-15.6%
<ul>
<li>New Town, Tasmania:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $270,000 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $240,000 Price change: -11.1%
<ul>
<li>West Hobart, Tasmania:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $330,000 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $317,000 Price change: -3.9%
<ul>
<li>Carlton, Victoria:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $297,500 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $290,000 Price change: -2.5%
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

The 2012 so-called inner city "steals" winners and losers 

<html><body>
Clifton, a historic estate in Tasmania's Ranelegh, is on SQM Research's top 10 most discounted properties list, with its asking price halved.
The circa 1850 property, with a main house that dates back to 1865, has been on the market for more than two years. The Huon Valley home remained in the same family until it was first sold in 2000, and has since been used as both a family home and as a bed and breakfast.
The property includes a 25 bedroom house and gardens, which are listed by the National Trust. There are also two separate guest cottages, parklands and paddocks. Clifton was first listed for $2 million 743 days ago, and is now listed with an asking price of $995,000.
<h3>SQM Research's top 10 most discounted properties:</h3>
<ol>
<li>
1/35 Empire Drive, Kincumber, NSW   Initial listing price: $889,000  Now asking: $400,000  Reduction: 55%  Days on market: 380 
</li>
<li>
2 Louisa Street, Ranelagh, Tas   Initial listing price: $2 million  Now asking: $995,000  Reduction: 50%  Days on market: 743 
</li>
<li>
118 Queen Street, Oberon, NSW   Initial listing price: $299,000  Now asking: $149,000 Reduction: 50%  Days on market: 813 
</li>
<li>
 Gymea Bay, NSW   This property's details have now been corrected, and it is no longer included on SQM Research's Top 10 list. It has been removed from the article at SQM Research's request. 
</li>
<li>
6 Gatumba Street, Myora, Dunwich, QLD   Initial listing price: $1.5 million  Now asking: $825,000  Reduction: 45%  Days on market: 260 
</li>
<li>
8/109 Mitchell Street, Brunswick, Vic   Initial listing price: $670,000  Now asking: $390,000  Reduction: 42%  Days on market: 168 
</li>
<li>
948 Priestdale Street, Rochedale, QLD Initial listing price: $2.8 million  Now asking: $1.65 million  Reduction: 41%  Days on market: 540 
</li>
<li>
78 Walters Road, Wattle Grove, Tas Initial listing price: $1.15 million  Now asking: $675,000  Reduction: 40%  Days on market: 414 
</li>
<li>
10 Jenkins Court, Upper Coomera, QLD Initial listing price: $1.15 million  Now asking: $700,000  Reduction: 39%  Days on market: 434 
</li>
<li>
114 Attfield Street, Maddington, WA   Initial listing price: $629,950  Now asking: $385,000  Reduction: 39% Days on market: 512</li>
</ol>
</body></html>

Historic Tasmanian estate on SQM's most discounted list

<html><body>
In June 2012, Smart Property Investment published a list of 20 inner-city suburbs where apartments were available for a "steal".
Each of the 20 suburbs were located within five kilometres of a capital CBD. One in four units in each suburb had to sell for $300,000 or less.
The magazine teamed up with an expert panel: Domain Group senior economist Andrew Wilson, SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher and RP Data senior research analyst Cameron Kusher. Together, they selected the suburbs, grouped them by states and ranked them on their potential for capital growth over five years.
A lot has happened since June 2012. Melbourne's apartment boom has continued to dizzying heights, Hobart had a surprisingly strong start to 2015, and Perth's price recovery in the wake of the mining boom has been more modest than some had hoped.
We're now halfway through the five year time horizon set out by the experts in June 2012, so Property Observer takes a look at how the inner city steals are performing. The updated median price and gross yield figures are taken from CoreLogic RP Data, as of the end of 2014. The vacancy rate figures are taken from SQM Research.
<h3>Hobart</h3>
Hobart's unit prices haven't fared so well in the last year – in fact, they've gone down in value, with Corelogic RP Data recording a 5.7% decrease in prices in the year to March. Of all the expert's Tasmanian picks, North Hobart has performed the best, with a median unit price of $375,000 at the end of 2014 compared to $312,000 in June 2012.
#20: <a href="/news">South Hobart, Tasmania</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $290,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 4.4%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $297,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 2%</li>
</ul>
#19 <a href="/news">Sandy Bay, Tasmania</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $377,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 4%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 5.1%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $378,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 4%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 2.2%</li>
</ul>
#18 <a href="/news">West Hobart, Tasmania</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $330,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 3.9%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $317,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 2.1%</li>
</ul>
#17 <a href="/news">North Hobart, Tasmania</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $312,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 3.9%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $375,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 2.1%</li>
</ul>
#16 <a href="/news">New Town, Tasmania</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $270,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 2.4%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $240,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.2%</li>
</ul>
<h3>Melbourne</h3>
Melbourne's inner city units have received a lot of press in the last two years, due to a particularly pronounced spike in approvals, and construction. The new crop of apartment towers has lead many to ask if the city has an <a href="/news/vic/exclusive-does-melbourne-have-an-oversupply-problem">oversupply problem</a>, and may soon see a <a href="/expert-insights/buying/price-correction-looming-in-wake-of-melbourne-apartment-boom-bis-shrapnel">price correction</a>.
As the suburbs of choice for many student renters, the inner city steals spotlighted all displayed seasonal spikes in vacancy rates around the summer holiday period.
#15 <a href="/news">Melbourne, Victoria</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $379,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 6%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 4.6%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $445,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 3.5%</li>
</ul>
#14 <a href="/news">Carlton, Victoria</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $297,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 7%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.9%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $290,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 7%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 2.9%</li>
</ul>
#13 <a href="/news">North Melbourne, Victoria</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $390,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.9%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $495,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 4%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.6%</li>
</ul>
<h3>Adelaide</h3>
The experts picked seven Adelaide suburbs for their list in 2012. They aren't the only ones that believe in the South Australian capital's potential: in July last year, observer Terry Ryder wrote that Adelaide was a "standout market". The city's unit prices increased by 2.6% in the year to March, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
#12 <a href="/news">Rose Park, South Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $460,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.1%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $447,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.7%</li>
</ul>
#11 <a href="/news">Keswick, South Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $240,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 6%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.0%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $202,500 (last recorded)</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 7%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.8%</li>
</ul>
#10 <a href="/news">Ashford, South Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $291,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 7.0%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $294,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.8%</li>
</ul>
#9 <a href="/news">Kent Town, South Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $505,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 3%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.1%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $600,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 3%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.7%</li>
</ul>
#8 <a href="/news">Wayville, South Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $312,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.8%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $608,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 3%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.9%</li>
</ul>
#7 <a href="/news">Goodwood, South Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $337,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 4%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.9%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $388,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 4%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.9%</li>
</ul>
#6 <a href="/news">Mile End, South Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $390,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 4%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.8%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $395,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.9%</li>
</ul>
<h3>Sydney</h3>
Only one Sydney suburb made the inner city steals list, which makes sense given Sydney prices stand head and shoulders above the other capital cities. Just like the rest of Sydney, Ultimo has recorded strong growth in recent years – the median price of units at the end of 2014 is $63,500, or 15%, higher than it was in June 2012.
#5 <a href="/news">Ultimo, New South Wales</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $414,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 6%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.3%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $478,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 6%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.4%</li>
</ul>
<h3>Perth</h3>
Perth's inner city suburbs topped the list, with four picks. While the Kusher, Christopher and Wilson unanimously agreed that Perth's suburbs should rank highest, the results so far are mixed. Trendy Mount Lawley's end of 2014 median unit price is 16% higher than the June 2012's (with a similar result in North Perth). But in West Leederville, the median unit price is down, from $482,500 to $369,000, with the vacancy rate up from 0.9% to 2.4%.
#4 <a href="/news">West Leederville, Western Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $482,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 3%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.9%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $369,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 2.4%</li>
</ul>
#3 <a href="/news">North Perth, Western Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $385,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.6%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $452,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 2%</li>
</ul>
#2 <a href="/news">Mount Lawley, Western Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $382,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.4%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $445,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 4.5%</li>
</ul>
#1 <a href="/news">Highgate, Western Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $365,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.3%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $412,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 6%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 3.2%</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

Looking back on 2012's "inner city steals"

<html><body>
Ena, the finest steam yacht in Australia, has been listed for sale. It is marketed as one of only three remaining in the world. 
It was built in 1901 by Watty Ford for Sir Thomas Dibbs, commodore of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. Its name is taken from Dibbs’ wife Tryphena.
It was designed by Walter Reeks.
Reeks also designed his own house Twynham in Mosman in the late 1880s, and died there aged 64 in 1925.
Shortly after its launch, it undertook war service as HMAS Sleuthin in World War I in the Torres Strait. 
Ena had sank in the waters near Hobart in 1981 after hitting a submerged object. She was then salvaged and bought back to Sydney where it is believed $4 million was spent on her purchase and re-fitting. 
After its mid-1980s restoration to her former Edwardian glory, notoriety followed the ship during its ownership by miner Pat Burke and his former chums Rene Rivkin and David Baffsky. 
The yacht was moored in Sydney for 25 years but it now calls Melbourne home with owner Warwick Turner saying “steam is something that just gets in your blood”.
The steam yacht Ena once circumnavigated Australia, spending some time in Perth for the America's Cup.
The yacht incorporates timbers from HMS Nelson, launched in Britain in 1814.
Its designer, Walter Reeks was responsible for other icons of Sydney Harbour including the steam yacht, Boomerang.
The 29 metre steam yacht has been listed by <a href="https://www.mossgreen.com.au/content/ena-australias-finest-steam-yacht/" target="_blank">Paul Sumner at Mossgreen</a>. 
It was listed as an item of movable cultural heritage, which would require an export licence. The auction will take place at Mossgreen on 19 May.
"We are keen to find a buyer in Australia anyway," says Paul Sumner who is quoting $1.2 million plus.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Ena, the Edwardian steamship, listed for auction

<html><body>
Currently available for high net worth investors, the Brick Exchange Pty Ltd (BrickX) is a newly established trading platform that offers investors easy access to an array of residential properties.
There is a minor required minimum investment, with the purchase of ‘Bricks’ sometimes starting from as little as $66. 
So far the trust has two properties including an apartment in Mosman, Sydney, where BrickX is brokering equity for as little as $126.
It bought the two bedroom 18/5 Parriwi Road, Mosman NSW for (pictured above and below) for $1.2 million with it recently available with an asking rent at $995 a week, but reduced to let at $950 a week.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2015/03/30/mosman.jpg" alt="">
Investors can also buy into their Enmore apartment at $66 per investment. The one bedroom 1/159 Enmore Road apartment cost $620,000 and was initially available for rent at $590 a week, adjusted to $575 a week.
CoreLogic RP Data put the Mosman apartment median currently at $800,000 and at $604,500 in Enmore.
After being ascribed a $1.26 million asset value, BrickX has suggested the Mosman fundamentals were: 
<table border="1" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Gross Yield
</td>
<td>
4.12%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Net Yield
</td>
<td>
3.23%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
After being ascribed a $660,000 asset value, BrickX has suggested the Enmore fundamentals were: 
<table border="1" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Gross Yield
</td>
<td>
4.82%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Net Yield
</td>
<td>
3.64%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Around 120 Bricks have been sold for the Enmore property with 9879 remaining and 158 for the Mosman opportunity with 9,842 remaining.
BrickX is actively scouting the inner bayside suburbs of Melbourne, but yet to find its first there. The aim is to acquire around 20 residential properties over the next year. 
BrickX takes a flat 2% brokerage fee on each purchase of bricks.
The platform allows a customised online portfolio with individual digital wallet accounts providing monthly income distributions - all without the investor troubled by the time and worry of property management. 
Bricks are initially offered at acquisition price, plus stamp duty along with legal fees and advisory.
Each Brick attracts a monthly dividend yield from the rental of the property that is calculated after rent, less strata levies, water rates, council rates, maintenance, management fees, debt interest and principal repayments.
Once issued and sold out the price of Bricks will be based on investor demand and sentiment. 
The buying and selling of Bricks will be facilitated through The BrickX Platform with the liquidity or otherwise driven by the number of investors and how long they each intend to hold onto their Bricks. 
Once a year it will conduct an annual general meeting for every BrickX Trust, and allowing owners to visually inspect the property. 
Markus Kahlbetzer is the co-founder of <a href="https://www.brickx.com/" target="_blank">BrickX</a> with Darren Patterson, having devised what they envisage as an easy route into investing in residential property across Australia.
Darren Patterson said they are helping to make purchasing property more accessible by facilitating liquidity and "seeking to bring transparency to what has been a convoluted and expensive process for far too long.”
It presents an exposure to Australia’s residential market rather than through traditional investing in major banks or through residential mortgage-backed securities and real estate investment trusts (REITs), which have mostly catered for commercial, retail and industrial investors. 
While it has launched licensed to attract only the wholesale investor, the  ambition is to make BrickX property investing available to everyone possibly within a year or two.
On the debt front, BrickX intends treading lightly, with low or no gearing.
Each BrickX Trust has 10,000 Brickx for investors to buy and to ensure there is no major holder of Bricks, and to facilitate liquidity in Bricks, the maximum number of Bricks an investor may hold in any BrickX Trust is 5%, or 500 Bricks.
"We are focusing on wholesale investors with assets worth $2.5 million and/or who are earning $250,000 or more and have done so for two consecutive years," Darren Patterson said.
"We can also help self-managed super fund investors who meet the wholesale requirements."
BrickX is a wholly owned subsidiary of the BridgeLane Group, a private equity investment company. 
BrickX says its was carefully selecting properties based on a number of key strengths, which include: 
<ul>
<li>Studio, one and two bedroom apartments</li>
<li>Healthy strata budgets</li>
<li>Blocks without features that typically increase the cost (such as pools)</li>
<li>Sound structural health (i.e. no water issues, concrete cancer etc.)</li>
<li>Floor area greater than 46 square metres</li>
<li>Modern internal fit-out</li>
<li>New or recently renovated or remodelled and requiring little additional maintenance or investment.</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

BrickX offers $126 entry into Mosman market for high net worth property investors

<html><body>
SQM Research's top 10 most discounted properties list shows the homes around the country that have been untouched by any recent growth in our property markets.
The 10 homes just can't seem to budge, despite price cuts and months – sometimes years, on the market.
One property that can't seem to secure a buyer is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-oberon-112406507" target="_blank">118 Queen Street in Oberon</a>, New South Wales.
The modest one bedroom house on a 585 square metre plot is now priced at $149,000, after a 50% price cut. The Blue Mountains house has been on the market for 800 days, according to SQM Research, although CoreLogic RP Data places the home's current campaign at 1011 days long.
<a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/" target="_blank">SQM Research</a>'s top 10 most discounted properties:
<ol>
<li>1/35 Empire Drive, Kincumber, NSW Initial listing price: $889,000 Now asking: $400,000 Reduction: 55% Days on market: 366 
</li>
<li>2 Louisa Street, Ranelagh, Tas Initial listing price: $2 million Now asking: $995,000 Reduction: 50% Days on market: 730 
</li>
<li>118 Queen Street, Oberon, NSW Initial listing price: $299,000 Now asking: $149,000 Reduction: 50% Days on market: 800 
</li>
<li>202-204 Gymea Bay Road, Gymea Bay, NSW Initial listing price: $1.8 million Now asking: $900,000 Reduction: 50% Days on market: 100 
</li>
<li>6 Gatumba Street, Myora, Dunwich, QLD Initial listing price: $1.5 million Now asking: $825,000 Reduction: 45% Days on market: 247 
</li>
<li>8/109 Mitchell Street, Brunswick, Vic Initial listing price: $670,000 Now asking: $390,000 Reduction: 42% Days on market: 156 
</li>
<li>114 Attfield Street, Maddington, WA Initial listing price: $629,950 Now asking: $385,000 Reduction: 39% Days on market: 499 
</li>
<li>292 Carabooda Road, Carabooda, WA Initial listing price: $1.65 million Now asking: $1,032,000 Reduction: 37% Days on market: 581 
</li>
<li>1 Dunraven Court, Sydenham, Vic Initial listing price: $780,000 Now asking: $490,000 Reduction: 37% Days on market: 317 
</li>
<li>219 Bernard Road North, Carabooda, WA Initial listing price: $3.5 million Now asking: $2,272,000 Reduction: 35% Days on market: 581</li>
</ol>
</body></html>

Oberon, NSW home on the market for over two years: SQM Research's top 10 most discounted list

<html><body>
A Sydney-based property management company has been fined $9,000 by the Perth Magistrates Court after advertising properties for rent and managing them on behalf of their owners without being licensed in Western Australia.
It was also found to have failed to lodge two bonds with the WA Bond Administrator.                                  
H and Z Group Pty Ltd, trading as Asset HQ Property Management Specialists, had lodged an application for a real estate agent’s licence in August 2013 but it was withdrawn by the company before being granted.
Asset HQ deny the claim, but were not in court to defend the matter last Friday.
Lawyers for Consumer Protection told the court that between June 2013 and September 2013 the company advertised online properties available for rent in Singleton, Carlisle, Landsdale, Rockingham and Butler.
The company then managed a number of those properties between July 2013 and January 2014. 
The company website says Asset HQ is a member of The Real Estate Institute of Australia, The Property Council of Australia and complies with the Australian Competition &amp; Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Department of Fair Trading.
"These memberships provide landlords and tenants with an assurance that they will receive the highest level of customer service," the licensee in charge advised on the company website.
It blames an unintended mix-up.
On 20 March 2015 Asset HQ Property Management Specialists was fined $7,000 for operating in WA without a licence, in breach of the Real Estate and Business Agents Act, and $1,000 on each of the two charges of failing to lodge bonds. 
Magistrate Hall said the company’s conduct was made worse by the fact that they were aware of the obligations but continued to conduct their business without a licence.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll said real estate agents trading on a national basis must be licensed in each jurisdiction in which they operate.
“Operating in WA without a licence is a serious offence, so national businesses must ensure they have the necessary licences and registrations in place before they advertise their services and conduct business here,” Driscoll said.
“Real estate and tenancy laws can vary from state to state, so agents operating across state and territory borders should check to ensure they are complying with the relevant real estate and tenancy laws.”
</body></html>

Sydney property management company fined for interstate rental bond lodgement failures

<html><body>
While Tasmania continues to favour buyers, Sydney and Melbourne offered even more favourable conditions for sellers in January 2015, according to the latest Commonwealth Bank/CoreLogic RP Data Home Buyer's Index.
The index is based on the number of properties listed to sale compared to the number of loans the Commonwealth Bank has signed in the same period.
According to the index, the top five best buyer's markets in Australia are:
<ol>
<li>Mersey-Lyell, TAS</li>
<li>Wide Bay-Burnett, QLD</li>
<li>South West, QLD</li>
<li>Mackay, QLD</li>
<li>West Moreton, QLD</li>
</ol>
Source: Commonwealth Bank/CoreLogic RP Data Home Buyer's Index
Tasmania's subdued market has consistently offered the most affordable options for buyers in recent years. The Mersey-Lyell statistical division, also known as the Cradle Coast region, includes Burnie, Devonport, Queenstown and Smithton.
In Burnie, where the median house price is currently $259,000 according to CoreLogic RP Data, this Queen Anne federation house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-burnie-119166255" target="_blank">13 Charles Street</a> is currently on the market for $349,000.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/burnie%201.jpg" alt="">
The four bedroom house set on 951 square metres is a two minute walk to the town centre and has two bathrooms. The vendors purchased the home for $290,000 in 2004.
Another Burnie home, at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/20-garner-court-burnie/Property-Details-buy-residential-8528798" target="_blank">20 Garner Court</a>, is on the market for $159,000. The three bedroom solid brick home is currently tenanted. Advertised at $200 per week in 2012, at its current asking price (assuming the rent has stayed constant) the home would yield 6.5%.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/20-Garner-Court-Burnie-TAS-7320-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-8528798.jpg" alt="">
The vendors paid $122,000 for the house in 2006.
According to CoreLogic RP Data, the median price of a house in Devonport was $240,000.
The vendors of <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/5-croft-avenue-devonport/Property-Details-buy-residential-8367416" target="_blank">5 Croft Avenue in Devonport</a> are currently accepting offers over $239,000 for this three bedroom house.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/5-Croft-Avenue-Devonport-TAS-7310-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-8367416.jpg" alt="">
Having lived in the home since 1967, the owners are now selling the house, which sits on a 726 square metre plot.
<a href="https://harcourts.com.au/Property/591457/TBN23275/25-Bellavista-Road">25 Bellavista Road in Romaine</a> is listed at $440,000 after 550 days on the market. The three bedroom house on a 2.2 hectare plot was purchased for $114,000 in 1993 and built in 1977.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/833-TBN23275-Burnie.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-burnie-116242339" target="_blank">16 View Road, Burnie</a>, (pictured below) has been on the market since December last year with an asking price of $348,000. The vendors attempted to sell the home in February of last year, with an asking price of $349,000, but pulled it off the market after two months. They paid $310,000 for the house in 2011.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/16%20view%20road.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/9-jorgensen-street-montello/Property-Details-buy-residential-5706719" target="_blank">9 Jorgensen Street</a> in Montello has been listed for more than two years – 747 days – at its current asking price of $195,000.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/9-Jorgensen-Street-Montello-TAS-7320-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-5706719.jpg" alt="">
The vendors, who bought the house for $185,000 in 2008, also attempted to sell the house in 2011, at $195,000, but took it off the market after two months. In late 2013, it was advertised to rent at $195 per week, representing a yield of 5.2% at its current asking price.
In Upper Burnie, <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/2-11-crudwell-court-upper-burnie/Property-Details-buy-residential-4459355" target="_blank">2/11 Crudwell Court</a> has been listed for 925 days.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/2-11-Crudwell-Court-Upper-Burnie-TAS-7320-Real-Estate-photo-4-large-4459355.jpg" alt="">
Vendors are asking for $189,000 for the investment unit. It is currently tenanted at $200 per week which represents a rental yield of 5.5% of its asking price. They  paid $175,000 for the home in 2007.
The other four of the top five buyer's markets are all located in Queensland, with the Commmonwealth Bank noting that the "best opportunities for buyers at a state level can be found in mining markets or coastal suburbs in Queensland, Western Australia the Northern Territory. The bank advises buyers seeking properties in capital cities to focus on Hobart, Brisbane and Darwin.
Dan Huggins, General Manager Home Loans Commonwealth Bank, says: "As demand in Sydney and Melbourne continues to be strong, the January 2015 Report highlights that these are the best markets for sellers."
The east coast cities took out the top two markets for favourable vendor conditions.
The top five best sellers' markets:
1. Sydney, NSW
2. Melbourne, VIC
3. Central Highlands, VIC
4. Adelaide, SA
5. Loddon, VIC
Source: Commonwealth Bank/CoreLogic RP Data Home Buyer's Index
</body></html>

Tasmania's Mersey-Lyell named the nation's best buyers' market 

<html><body>
A Perth-based startup is looking to connect everyday investors with property developers who are seeking capital for their next project.
<a href="https://crowdfundup.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CrowdfundUP</a>, Australia’s first real estate crowdfunding platform, hopes to tap into the global property market. 
Perth-based real estate developer Megara will be the first real estate developer in Australia to participate in the platform’s developer partner program.
CrowdfundUP founder John Quigley said the platform will allow all kinds of Australians to invest in property.
“Nine out of 10 Australian invest in property or have an exposure to the Australian property market,” he says.
“They know their suburbs, they know what’s going on around them. What we do is introduce investors to opportunities and then when they pull together they have increased buying power and that’s the benefit.”
Quigley says he hopes the startup will provide a streamlined and transparent process – with individuals able to invest from as little as $100.
“We’re not saying we’re immune from a property bubble or anything else – it’s the same as investing in the property market,” he says.
“But what it is allowing you to do is that on a smaller scale so you don’t have to have that big exposure.”
Quigley says real estate crowdfunding has “exploded” in countries such as the US and UK.
“Australia is perfectly placed to make a completely tailored regime that suits our purposes,” he says.
“I want change and I want it done in a timely matter, but I don’t want something rushed through that’s going to hamstring industry and that we’re going to have to deal with for another four years.”
The crowdfunding space is <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/financing-a-business/venture-crowd-and-sydney-angels-team-up-to-put-equity-crowdfunding-on-the-agenda/2015031714358" target="_blank">heating up in Australia</a>. Yesterday, equity crowdfunding platform VentureCrowd announced a partnership with Sydney Angels.
Sydney Angels founder David Jackson said people who are not high-net worth individuals should have the opportunity to invest in startups.
“Everyone’s heard of the Facebooks and Googles but without equity crowdfunding it’s often hard for the mum and dad investors to get a piece,” he says.
“It’s high-risk investing, don’t get me wrong, but for them to put a small percentage of their investment portfolio into high-risk ventures that might give them a high return… will be a good opportunity.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/" target="_blank">StartUpSmart</a>.
</body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

Australia’s first property crowdfunding platform hits the market

<html><body>
A Sydney startup is looking to make it easier for travellers to pitch up a tent in a property owner’s backyard or park their caravan in their driveway in exchange for cash.
<a href="https://www.home-camp.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Homecamp</a>, which launched in January this year, has just over 700 users and is available in seven countries.
Hosts are able to upload photos of their backyard and any additional facilities and set their own pricing. On average the platform’s users pay $30 for each night of their stay.
Payment made between the host and customer in person – however, online transactions and insurance will be available in the coming months.
Founder David Abitbol, who comes from France, said the early-stage platform is very similar to Airbnb but specifically for campers and travellers.
“We were backpackers and travelling Australia and we were struggling to find a place to park our van on the coastline,” he says.
“You can’t really find somewhere to park your van because it’s forbidden to park your van in the street and you expose yourself to the rangers and fines.”
Abitbol says he came up with the idea after noticing how Australians tend to have large properties and backyards.
“I thought maybe it’s a good idea to start a website to connect those people with extra space with backpackers looking for a place to stay. It’s a win-win.”
The startup is based out of Fishburners, which Abitbol says is useful because it means he has space for networking as well as interns.
“It is quite helpful because they provide free workshops and there are lots of people doing a similar thing,” he says.
Homecamp recently received $50,000 of seed funding from a few French investors in order to “pay the bills”.
Abitbol says he isn’t worried about running into regulatory problems, despite accommodation giant <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/growth/airbnb-runs-into-regulatory-problems-in-victoria/2015020314066" target="_blank">Airbnb drawing the ire of real estate agents</a> and policymakers in Victoria.
“From my perspective it is the market that should decide,” he says.
“If people use it and like it and it’s good value for campers and good value for home owners, then they [regulators] have to change and be flexible. They have to let people innovate… because otherwise it will end up blocking entrepreneurs and I don’t think that’s good for home owners but also Australia and the world.”
“If Airbnb and Uber are doing it, it means that we can do it as well.”
Abitbol also brushed off concerns that Homecamp would not be able to compete with Airbnb, which has raised more than $800 million to date.
“Airbnb are the luxury brand with villas and going to the camping industry or market would not be matching with their brand,” he says.
“This is a niche market for them, they’re looking for $80, $100 in rent because otherwise they’re not making money. Camping is often seen as cheap and old fashioned, which is why I don’t think it’s a market for Airbnb.”
In New South Wales, property owners have been <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/councils-threaten-home-owners-with-1-million-fine-for-renting-rooms-20140926-10mchq" rel="nofollow">threatened with fines of more than $1 million</a> for renting out rooms on Airbnb and other short-term accommodation platforms because regulators deemed they were running unauthorised bed and breakfasts.
According to the Tenants Union of Victoria, tenants are not allowed to sublet their property without written consent from their landlord.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/" target="_blank">StartUpSmart</a>.
</body></html>

Property News

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Property News

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News